What Kind Of Fence Should I Build?

26 February 2015

A fenced in backyard creates a private space for your family. A fence can also keep young children and animals from wandering off and keep them safe. Before you talk to a fencing contractor, you should know the different options for fencing. Below you will find a summary of the most popular fence materials along with pros and cons for each.

Wood Fences

A wood fence has a timeless look. People have been building wood fences for centuries. You can build many different looks with wood, and there are many different finish options such as stain, varnish, all-natural and paint. Wood fences typically have a low initial cost, but maintenance is required more frequently, so a wood fence may cost you more in the long run. Wood fences need to be scrubbed or pressure washed once or twice a year. They will also need to be repainted every three to five years depending on climate and sun exposure.

Engineered Wood Fences

Engineered wood is a composite material that is usually made from recycled plastic mixed with wood fibers. Some engineered wood is coated with plastic layer to increase the longevity of the fence. There are many different shapes and sizes of the pieces so an engineered wood fence can closely resemble a real wood fence; depending on the outer surface finish, some people may not be able to tell that it is not real wood. Engineered wood does not require staining or painting. The only maintenance required is an occasional scrubbing or pressure washing to keep it clean.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences come in numerous styles and shapes that fit any landscape. Vinyl is a durable material; it will not rot, warp, or splinter like wood can. Similar to engineered wood, it does not require stain or paint and never needs refinishing. The only maintenance required is an occasional washing. While vinyl is usually more expensive upfront than wood, it is usually cheaper in the long run due to less maintenance. However, vinyl is not the strongest fence material. If you live in an area with unusually high winds or if your kids play rough in the backyard, the vinyl fence may not be able to stand up to the abuse.

Chain Link Fences

Chain link fences are very common in some areas. While some people find the look too utilitarian or stark, it does give a view beyond the borders of your yard. If you live in a area with good views, but still need a fence, consider a chain link fence. Chain link is also very durable, more so than any other type mentioned. These fences don't ever require refinishing and they come in different heights depending on your needs. Chain link fence is also relatively inexpensive.

Many people prefer their backyards to be fenced in. Whether for privacy, looks, or safety, there is a fence type perfect for your yard.

About Me

My parents were barely "making ends meet" when I was a child, so we lived in a small home that they rarely upgraded. However, they were devoted parents and I cherish every memory made in that house. They were adamant that I go to college, and after I graduated, I was very lucky to land a good job quickly. After I bought my home, I had a few renovations performed to it to make it perfect for me. When the job was done I decided to pay it back to my parents for all they did for me as a child and have their kitchen remodeled. Once I can afford it, I want to help make a few more changes to their home. I have been researching and learning so much about home remodeling, I decided to start a blog to share my remodeling tips and experiences on!